The McNair Association of Professionals (MAP) is the representative body for TRIO professionals from colleges, universities, and agencies that host the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program. MAP is dedicated to fostering and promoting high standards of professional practices and advocating for McNair Scholars Programs at the national level by creating opportunities for educational personnel and participants (students and alumni) with professional development and support.

The mission is accomplished through cultivating a vibrant professional community by collaborating and offering professional development to advance the objectives of the federal TRIO McNair Scholars Program of undergraduate research and doctoral attainment for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students in higher education.

Click here to be directed to the McNair Association of Professionals website.

~ The original story was posted on the Winthrop University website. 

The Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education – and The Suder Foundation, has designated Winthrop University as one of its 2021-22 First-gen Forward Institutions. 

The First-gen Forward designation recognizes institutions of higher education that have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students. Selected institutions receive professional development, community-building experiences and a first look at the center’s research and resources.

“As a first-generation college graduate, I am keenly aware of the challenges associated with navigating higher education: the use of unfamiliar terminology, the assumption that one knows how to ‘do’ college, or that one even knows what questions to ask,” said Shelia Burkhalter, Winthrop’s vice president for student affairs.

“Student Affairs is excited to work with TRiO Achievers Program, the McNair Scholars program and the rest of the Winthrop community to think more strategically about serving first-gen students at Winthrop,” she continued. “While we look forward to advancing the success of first-generation students, the student success literature confirms that efforts to advance first-generation students will ultimately benefit all students on campus.”

According to the U.S. Department of Education, 33 percent of higher education students today are the first in their family to attend college. Winthrop mirrors the national statistic, Burkhalter said, noting that approximately one-third of Winthrop students identify as first-generation, when defined as a student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree.

That population includes Imani Belton, an integrated marketing communication major and chair of the Council of Student Leaders (CSL), Winthrop’s student government body.

“Throughout my time at Winthrop, I’ve been able to connect with first-generation faculty, staff and students, which has made my collegiate experience 10 times better because of bonds we’ve created,” she said. “Being a first-generation student is a point of pride for me and other Winthrop students who have benefitted from learning on a campus that provides outreach and services for students like us.”

Winthrop has already made significant strides in first-generation student support and outcomes:

*The TRiO Achievers Program has supported first-generation students for more than 15 years, providing students with a variety of services such as personalized academic counseling, tutoring, individualized needs assessment and more.

*Since 2009, the McNair Scholars program has prepared first-generation, low-income and underrepresented undergraduates to be successful in Ph.D. programs through research, extensive support, and transformational opportunities throughout the junior and senior years.

*Within the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of the Vice President as well as the Diversity and Student Engagement office facilitate events to celebrate first-generation students and graduates (for example, among the faculty and staff) and to raise awareness regarding issues impacting first-generation student success.

“Through the application process, it was evident that Winthrop University is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies for significant scaling and important advances in the future,” said Sarah E. Whitley, senior director of the Center for First-generation Student Success.

To learn more about first-generation efforts at Winthrop, contact Burkhalter at burkhalters@winthrop.edu or Kinyata Adams Brown at brownka@winthrop.edu.

About NASPA and the Center for First-gen Student Success

NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education—is the leading association for the advancement, health and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Its work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy and research for 15,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries and eight U.S. territories. The Center for First-generation Student Success is the premier source of evidence-based practices, professional development and knowledge creation for the higher education community to advance the success of first-generation students. Visit www.naspa.org and www.firstgen.naspa.org for more information.

~ The original story was written by Alexandra McQueen, University Communications on March 4, 2o20 was posted on the UNC Greensboro News website.
Photography by Jiyoung Park, University Communications

UNC Greensboro is among a cohort of academic institutions nationwide being recognized for their commitment to supporting first-generation students. UNCG joins 76 other institutions in the cohort and is one of three North Carolina universities to receive the designation this year.

The Center for First-generation Student Success made the announcement on March 2. The center is an initiative of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education – and The Suder Foundation.

By federal definition, a first-generation student is a student whose parent or guardian did not graduate from a four-year institution.

The First-gen Forward designation recognizes institutions of higher education who have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students. Selected institutions receive professional development, community-building experiences, and a first look at the center’s research and resources.

“Now, in its second year, First-gen Forward institutions continue to lead the nation by their commitment to first-generation student success,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, senior director of the Center for First-generation Student Success. “The 2020-21 cohort consists of diverse institutions across the nation, and we are pleased to welcome UNC Greensboro for their long-term commitment and demonstrated strategies for scaling first-generation student initiatives.”

As a First-gen Forward Institution, select faculty and staff will be able to engage with peer and aspirational institutions who are also creating environments that improve the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students. Selected institutions will send representatives to the First-gen Forward Workshop to be held in Baltimore in June and will participate in monthly phone calls, virtual professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more. After two successful years in the program, institutions are eligible to apply for the Advisory leadership designation.

“We are very excited to be one of the few schools in the state of North Carolina with this designation, and we want prospective students to see our desire to serve them and help them to be successful,” said Kelli Thomas, coordinator for Residence Life, who started UNCG’s First G at the G program and leads it alongside Shelley Wald, associate dean of students. “This designation honors the work of so many staff, faculty, and other students that have given their time and efforts to promote and advocate for first-generation students at UNCG. It is our desire that this recognition from NASPA inspires more students to proudly identify as first-gen and encourages more support for the students in our community.”

UNCG strives to be a leader in maximizing student success, opportunity, and access and was recently ranked as the top university in North Carolina for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report. In the fall of 2019, 31% of UNCG students were first-generation, and 25% of those students were considered to be from low-income backgrounds. The University offers multiple programs, events, and aid to support these students. Below is a list of some of these offerings.

• Student Support Services This TRiO support program is designed to maximize academic performance for UNCG students who are first-generation students from modest income backgrounds, or who have a documented disability and demonstrate an academic need for services. Services include individual instruction in the development of academic skills; personalized academic counseling, financial aid literacy counseling, graduate/professional school guidance, and career coaching; and one-on-one tutoring in up to two courses each semester. The program is one of the longest-running programs of its kind in the nation. 211 students are in the program and 90% are first-generation.

• McNair Scholars Program This federally funded TRiO program prepares undergraduate first-generation students from low-income backgrounds and students who are members of groups that are traditionally underrepresented in graduate studies for the pursuit of doctoral degrees. UNCG’s McNair Scholars Program has 49 total participants, with 33 being first-generation students.

• First G at the G This is a week-long series of events in November to help first-generation students learn about campus resources and connect with each other, faculty, and staff. The goal of the week is to make the transition into college easier for first-generation students.

• Guarantee Scholars Program  As UNCG’s flagship student success program, it provides its participants a financial aid package that minimizes student debt, community learning experiences outside of the classroom, and personalized support though mentorship. This program works alongside its students to identify barriers to student success and develop innovative community-focused solutions. 75% of students in the program identify as first-generation.

“By being part of First G at UNCG, I am more aware of how first-generation students are impacted on college campuses and the amount of resources that are available to them,” said Kiara Hickman, president of the 1stG student organization.

Learn more about UNCG’s first-generation efforts at sa.uncg.edu/firstg.

Learn more about the Center for First-generation Student Success at firstgen.naspa.org.

During the boot camp, students will focus on strategies to help gain admission to highly competitive graduate programs. Dr. Asher, one of the nation’s foremost authorities on the graduate admissions process will focus on the following:

• Benefits of graduate education
• Challenges to pursuing a graduate degree
• How to properly use on-line resources to search graduate programs
• How to identify and contact faculty in programs of interest
• How to stand out in the application process
• How to craft the personal statement
• The GRE and more…

While you’re in the area, be sure to visit some nearby universities and learn more about their wonderful graduate programs. In addition to the Graduate School at UTSA, San Antonio is home to other graduate schools such as St. Mary’s University, Our Lady of the Lake University, and others. Also, UT-Austin and Texas State University are located a relatively short drive north of San Antonio and are easy to include in your trip itinerary.

Donald Asher’s riveting presentation is full of secrets for successful graduate school admission. This year’s registration fee will include breakfast, lunch and snacks for both days, and limited campus parking. Please contact Ms. Sonia Valencia, McNair Program Manager at (210) 458-4274 or Sonia.Valencia@utsa.edu or McNair@utsa.edu for additional questions regarding this year’s event.

The UCF McNair Scholars Program, first funded in the fall 2003, assists its participants in gaining admission to graduate programs leading to a doctorate.  Over half of the students who have participated in the UCF McNair program identify as Latino; 100% of them completed a bachelor’s degree, and 81% enrolled in post-baccalaureate programs. Among Latino participants, there are 11 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Program Fellowship Recipients, two Florida State University System Frost-Oxford-Scholarship Recipients, an Udall Fellow, and a Goldwater Fellow.

“We are humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” said Michael Aldarondo-Jeffries, Director of the UCF McNair Scholars Program. “We are dedicated to helping them reach their academic goals. Our Latino/a scholars have exceled, and we look forward to continue to see them thrive in graduate school and beyond. We know that this program not only impacts their lives, but also their families and communities, and we are privileged to be a part of it.”

Stephanie Quiles-Matos is in her second year in the Doctoral Program in Engineering Education at Virginia Tech. When asked how the McNair Program assisted her, Stephanie emphasized the importance of the personal and graduate school preparation support the program provided. Quiles-Matos stated, “Honestly, I would not even be in graduate school without the support and mentorship that the McNair Scholar program provided me. As a McNair Scholar, I was encouraged to participate in research, a concept I was unfamiliar with as a first-generation student. The McNair team helped me realize, that even as a non-traditional student, I could achieve my goals of graduating college and going onto graduate school.”

Laura Puentes transferred to the University of Central Florida from Valencia College, she never dreamed she would one day be accepted into Oxford, one of the most prestigious universities in the world.  As one of the 10 State University System students in Florida selected to receive a Frost Scholarship, Puentes will be awarded full funding to attain her Master of Pharmacology degree at the university in England.

Puentes’ ultimate goal is to work in the biotech industry and develop biological therapeutics that can specifically target diseased tissue or tumors without affecting healthy organs. After sge completed her degree at Oxford, Puentes went on to enrolled in the pharmacology Ph.D. program at the University of Pennsylvania.

Puentes was born in Bogota, Colombia.  During her time as a McNair Scholar she was encouraged to apply for summer research opportunities and was selected to participate in the Leadership Alliance internship at Brown University.  She credits the McNair Scholars Program for presenting her with opportunities to grow as a student and build her confidence.  “Through the McNair Scholars Program and with the immense guidance of everyone in it, I was able to not only set out a plan that would eventually lead me to graduate school,” she said, “I was also able to learn something truly unique about myself: to not be afraid to dream big.”

The national winners of the 2017 Examples of Excelencia will be announced in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 5 at the annual Celebración de Excelencia.

Alysia Mann Carey

Original story posted at http://www.apsanet.org/mfp/2016_2017

Joey has conducted research across two machine learning labs at UCF.  Joey notes “the mentors I’ve met through UCF have really made the experience special. I owe them so much for where I am now.” His efforts led to a National Science Foundation summer research experience at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) within the Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines. He has since been invited back and is currently a visiting student at MIT in order to continue his research.

Joey’s academic path has not been without challenges. After a difficult semester early in his undergraduate career, Joey began to dedicate himself to school and learning in a new way.  His grades improved, he got involved in research, and joined the McNair Scholars program.  A new world of opportunities opened up for him, and now he looks forward to a bright future doing what he loves.  “Ultimately I want to inspire other students who are underrepresented or who have been put off course by personal troubles to persevere and know that if you dedicate yourself wholly to something, that others will take notice.” Joey credits the McNair Scholars Program with giving him direction and guidance towards his goal of becoming a faculty member.  Joey’s favorite quote is by Toni Morrison, “The function of freedom is to free someone else.”  Joey says that he plans to use academia to serve this function of freedom. He notes, “without the McNair program, I would have lacked the means to make this a reality. Because of this, McNair means everything to me”.

The Goldwater Scholarship, established in 1986 by Congress to honor the lifetime achievements of Senator Barry Goldwater, is the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship in the fields of natural sciences, mathematics and engineering in the United States. It aims to identify students of outstanding ability and potential and encourages them to pursue advanced study and research careers.

Sydney Geiger ’18 (right) and National Institutes of Health biomedical engineer Afrouz Anderson stand in front of a poster describing the research they worked on together using emerging brain imaging technology.

St. Olaf College student Sydney Geiger ’18 spent her summer at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she conducted research that involved emerging brain imaging technology as part of the Amgen Scholars Program.

The new technology that Geiger adopted in her research is called Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy. This device measures changes in blood oxygenation in cortical regions of the brain, which can then be used as biomarkers for brain activation. Geiger explains that “the technology is appealing because it is non-invasive and portable, allowing brain activity to be monitored in real-life settings.”

After Geiger had familiarized herself with the device, she was able to pose her own research question to her mentor, biomedical engineer Afrouz Anderson. The two of them explored right and left prefrontal cortex activation in subjects performing a working memory task. “We found some exciting results,” Geiger says, and Anderson is continuing to pursue this project.

“She is keeping me updated on the research and has asked me to help write some parts of the paper that we are hoping to have published,” says Geiger.

The summer that she spent at NIH was deeply influential for Geiger, who is majoring in biology at St. Olaf.

“It was incredible for my development as a scientist and as a student,” says Geiger, a TRIO McNair Scholar who also participates in the Northstar STEM Alliance at St. Olaf. “I was able to take part in the research process from beginning to end and gain an understanding of how an experiment goes from the conception of the research question to the drafting of a final paper.”

Sydney Geiger ’18 in her National Institutes of Health lab with some of the research available on Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.

Since Geiger is trying to determine whether she would rather become a medical doctor or a physician-scientist, the glimpses that she gained into these two careers through the Amgen Scholars Program were instrumental. Beyond the research that she conducted, Geiger job shadowed and completed several informational interviews while at NIH.

The Amgen Scholars Program also appealed to Geiger because of its special focus on health disparities. Through weekly lectures from top scientists, roundtable discussions, and even the creation of their own policy briefs, the program encourages participants to consider barriers to achieving optimal health that socially disadvantaged populations experience.

Geiger left NIH not only more accomplished scientifically but also more informed socially.

“One of my priorities as a doctor or a physician-scientist will be to remain conscious of health disparities and work to combat them,” she says. “The Amgen Scholars Program allowed me to connect my passion for positive change with my passion for medicine and science.”

Amgen Scholars is an international program funded by the Amgen Foundation. The program partners with 17 leading educational and research institutions in the United States, Europe, and Japan to host undergraduate students in research labs. Participants are able to conduct research under world-renown faculty mentors as well as attend symposiums, seminars, and networking events.

~ Story originally posted on St. Olaf website on 9/14/16.

Senovia Roberts (senior, culinary dietetics) is a McNair Scholar and an alumna of the IUP Punxsutawney Culinary School who returned to IUP in order to get a degree and become a licensed dietician.

Roberts got her culinary degree at the Punxsutawney campus, but she always knew she wanted to continue her education beyond that.

“At the time, my future goal was to become a registered dietitian with a thorough knowledge of culinary techniques in order to help patients and clients with diseases and conditions with modification to their diets,” Roberts said. “So it was part of my decision initially to apply for the Culinary Dietetics degree at IUP main campus.”

After coming to Indiana to pursue a degree in food and nutrition, Roberts had the opportunity to become a McNair Scholar, which has opened up even more doors for her.

The McNair Scholars program is a federally funded program aimed at first-generation college students, financially needy students and members of traditionally underrepresented groups who are interested in graduate school in order to increase degrees awarded to underrepresented groups.

Each student within the program conducts original research.

For her research, Roberts is working with her mentor and adviser, Dr. Nicole Clark, professor of food and nutrition to survey IUP students about breastfeeding and academic knowledge, attitudes and beliefs.

She presented part of her research at the National McNair Research Conference in Buffalo, N.Y., this past summer.

“[Roberts] has distinct goals,” Clark said. “She is seeking out ways to help improve academics related to nutrition and plans to go on for her Ph.D. or doctorate degree.

“She is very driven and has already prepared much for her research which is about the knowledge, beliefs and perceptions of students in nursing, nutrition and dietetics and family and consumer education.”

In addition to being a McNair Scholar, Roberts became a certified culinarian through the American Culinary Federation, and she earned a culinary externship at Pinehurst Resort.

After graduation, Roberts plans to continue her education by pursing a master’s degree as well as a PhD. She expressed an interest in nutritional sciences or a related field.

“To those who may be having trouble finding their way, don’t give up,” Roberts said.

“The journey to your goal may have its ups and downs, but it is all part of your development and learning experience.

“So be positive and do your best in just about everything you do. It will pay off.”

Roberts recommended that anyone who meets eligibility for the McNair Scholars program apply and “take on a new adventure.”

“I would also start asking professors in your departments if they are working on research and see if you can assist them in any way so that you

~ Story originally posted on 10/7/16 by Stephanie Bachman, Lead News Writer, on The Penn. 

]]> https://mcnairscholars.com/gradfair16/ Thu, 15 Sep 2016 03:52:47 +0000 http://mcnairscholars.com/?p=2653 All students are encouraged to participate in the 3rd Annual Virtual Graduate School & Summer Research Fair on November 2nd, 2016.  The virtual grad and summer research fair provides scholars with an opportunity to explore some of the top graduate school programs in the country in a virtual environment.

Register now for an opportunity to connect directly with the graduate schools and summer research program directors interested in recruiting underrepresented students on November 2nd from 1:00 to 4:00 pm EST.

Why participate?

1.  Gain direct, access to graduate programs that are committed to recruiting students underrepresented at the graduate level.
2.  Make a great impression and engage directly with graduate school reps who are interested in recruiting you for graduate school and summer research opportunities.
3.  Get YOUR questions answered so that you can decide whether a particular graduate program would be a good fit for you.

Easy. Interact with multiple schools from all over the country during one event. It’s like visiting a bunch of campuses without the time and travel cost.

How will the virtual fair work?

After you create an account, complete your profile and upload a professional photo. Check back to see a more comprehensive list of registered schools and summer research opportunities. We will also send you a follow up email to prompt you to revisit the site before the event date.

When you log back in on the day of the virtual, you will have the opportunity to participate in direct text based conversations with representatives from participating universities. You will have the opportunity to indicate which schools you wish to “speak” with. Make sure you do your homework ahead of time to maximize your time to talk!  We’ll send you links ahead of time to school profiles to assist in your preparation.

At the event you’ll be placed in a queue (line) for the schools you select, and will be put into a text-based conversations with a representative as soon as one is available to chat. Introduce yourself and take it from there! Make sure you have taken the time to create and practice your elevator speech. We’ll even send you a list of top questions to ask when chatting with graduate school representatives. Conversations are limited to 10 minutes; as the clock ticks down be prepared to “close” effectively if you remain interested in an opportunity. Then follow up! You’ll leave the event with all the schools’ contact information, so rest assured this event is a highly efficient way to interact with a number of schools without leaving your seat!

We are excited to again provide you with this opportunity and look forward to you participating in November.

Students can click here to create an account to participate.
Graduate School Recruiters can click here to register and purchase a booth to participate in the event.

For additional information contact the University of Central Florida Academic Advancement Programs at aap@ucf.edu.